Pomorie FLAG

Area

The FLAG territory is in the south-east planning region of Bulgaria. The region has a strong fisheries tradition, though fisheries jobs only account for approximately 1% of the area’s total employment. However, many local fishers also engage in other occupations and activities such as tourism and services. There are 151 fishing vessels registered in the FLAG territory, three fish farms and three fish processing companies which capitalise on the large black mussel fields which are situated on the coastal shelves around Pomorie.

Challenges for the FLAG include a lack of job security in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and problems associated with declining, and in some cases obsolete, fishing vessels and equipment. The seasonality of the region’s fisheries is also a challenge, as is the lack of infrastructure in fishing ports and landing sites.

Type of area:

Coastal

Rural

Sea Basins:

Black Sea

Protected areas:

The FLAG’s territory includes three nationally protected areas and six areas protected under the Natura 2000 Network (two of which are protected according to Birds Directive for bird conservation and four are protected according to Habitats Directive.

Population

27 399

Surface area (km²)

413

Population density

66

Total employment in fisheries

225

Fishing:

195

Aquaculture:

15

Processing:

15

FLAG strategy

The main objectives of the FLAG’s local development strategy are:

Stimulating the development of the fisheries sector through diversification and innovation.

Calls for proposals

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

The FLAG shares its territory with the local LEADER LAG. The two CLLD groups cooperate on an informal basis.

Partnership

Accountable body:

Pomorie FLAG

Members of the partnership:

The FLAG has a total of 15 members. They include one representative from the local government, eight representatives from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors (some of which are private fishers), and six other private organisations (three of which are NGO’s).